Hypogonadism refers to a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. This happens when there are issues with the testes or with the parts of the brain that control the function of the testes.
There are two main types of hypogonadism:
- Primary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with the testes and they do not work correctly. This means they fail to produce enough testosterone. Some potential causes include Klinefelter syndrome, trauma/injury, mumps, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and aging.
- Secondary hypogonadism refers to when there is a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain. These parts of the brain control the signals that tell the testes to produce testosterone. So if they malfunction, testosterone production declines.
Some common signs and symptoms of low testosterone from hypogonadism include:
- Low sex drive
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Fatigue, lack of energy
- Loss of body/facial hair
- Depressed mood
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests of testosterone levels in addition to medical history evaluation and physical exam.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but commonly involves
testosterone replacement therapy. This provides supplemental testosterone when the body cannot produce enough on its own. Treatment can help restore sex drive, energy, mood, and other hormonal effects.
In summary,
hypogonadism refers to below-normal testosterone levels due to problems with testicular function or hormonal control mechanisms. Symptoms like low libido and fatigue can significantly impact quality of life. Seeking care from expert hormone therapy providers like Hormone Care Center can lead to proper diagnosis and
treatment with
testosterone replacement tailored to your needs. This may help relieve troublesome effects of this condition and restore wellbeing. Let them help you determine if hypogonadism is the root cause and find the right solutions for you.